Assessment of associated factors for the need of health care social worker intervention in emergency departments patients

Social vulnerability is frequently overlooked in emergency departments, where acute medical priorities may overshadow patients' social needs. We evaluated the AP-HP Early Social Frailty Identification Questionnaire in 343 consecutive adult emergency department patients. Fifty patients (15%) met criteria for hospital social worker intervention, compared with only two referrals through routine clinical practice. Housing instability, social isolation, and financial insecurity were the most frequent needs identified. Male sex and higher triage acuity were independently associated with referral. The AP-HP questionnaire provides a rapid, standardized approach to identifying patients requiring social work assessment and supports more equitable emergency care.